Key entry device

ABSTRACT

A key entry device including a housing, a keypad array disposed within the housing and including a plurality of keys, a key contact array disposed within the housing below the keypad array and including a plurality of contact pairs, a dome array underlying the keypad array and the key contact array and including a plurality of domes, and a protrusion array underlying the dome array and including a plurality of protrusions, whereby depression of one of the plurality of keys of the keypad array causes a corresponding one of the domes of the dome array to be displaced downwardly and to be deformed by pushing engagement with a corresponding one of the protrusions of the protrusion array into contact with at least one of the contact pairs of the key contact array.

This application is a Continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/754,785, filed Feb. 23, 2018, now U.S. Patent No. National StageApplication of PCT Application No. PCT/IL2016/050282, filed Mar. 15,2016, which claims priority to PCT Patent Application PCT/IL2015/50851,filed Aug. 25, 2015 and entitled “SECURE SMART CARD READER.” Thedisclosures of each of these documents is hereby incorporated byreference in its entirety.

REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

Reference is hereby made to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No.62/050,866, filed Sep. 16, 2014 and entitled “SECURE THIN DATA ENTRYDEVICE”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety.

Reference is also hereby made to PCT Patent ApplicationPCT/IL2015/50851, filed Aug. 25, 2015 and entitled “SECURE SMART CARDREADER”, the disclosure of which is incorporated by reference in itsentirety and priority of which is hereby claimed pursuant to 37 C.F.R.1.78 (d)(1).

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to data entry devices generally.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Various types of data entry devices are known.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention seeks to provide improved data entry devices.

There is thus provided in accordance with a preferred embodiment of thepresent invention a key entry device including a housing, a keypad arraydisposed within the housing and including a plurality of keys, a keycontact array disposed within the housing below the keypad array andincluding a plurality of contact pairs, each aligned with one of theplurality of keys, a dome array underlying the keypad array and the keycontact array and including a plurality of domes, each aligned with oneof the plurality of keys and one of the plurality of contact pairs and aprotrusion array underlying the dome array and including a plurality ofprotrusions, each aligned with one of the domes, whereby depression ofone of the plurality of keys of the keypad array causes a correspondingone of the domes of the dome array to be displaced downwardly and to bedeformed by pushing engagement with a corresponding one of theprotrusions of the protrusion array into contact with at least one ofthe contact pairs of the key contact array.

Preferably, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes acorresponding portion of the dome array to be displaced towards acorresponding portion of the protrusion array and the depression of oneof the plurality of keys causes an underside surface of the one of theplurality of keys to be depressed downwardly into downward pushingengagement with a corresponding contact pair of the key contact array,thereby pressing a flat peripheral rim of a corresponding one of theplurality of domes downward in electrical contact with a conductivering, being a first one of the contact pair, thus causing a conductivedisk, being a second one of the contact pairs, to form an electricalconnection with the one of the plurality of domes, thereby forming anelectrical connection between the conductive disk and the conductivering. Additionally, the one of the plurality of domes is therebydeformed to be convex at its center when viewed from above due toengagement of a top surface of the one of the protrusions with the oneof the domes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thekey entry device also includes a protective enclosure including at leastone anti-tamper mesh surrounding at least the key contact array and thedome array. Additionally, the protective enclosure including at leastone anti-tamper mesh also surrounds the protrusion array.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thekey entry device also includes a plurality of case open switchassemblies located entirely within the protective enclosure andprotected thereby. Additionally, the plurality of case open switchassemblies includes elements integrally formed with the protrusionarray. Preferably, the elements are directed in a direction opposite toa direction in which the protrusions are directed.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, thekey contact array is formed on a flexible printed circuit substrate andunderlies at least one anti-tamper mesh. Additionally, the at least oneanti-tamper mesh is also formed on the flexible printed circuitsubstrate. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one anti-tampermesh includes a plurality of anti-tamper meshes.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of domes has a generallyconcave orientation as viewed from above prior to key depression and hasan at least partially convex orientation as viewed from above upon keydepression.

There is also provided in accordance with another preferred embodimentof the present invention a key entry device including a housing, akeypad array disposed within the housing and including a plurality ofkeys, a key contact array disposed within the housing below the keypadarray and including a plurality of contact pairs, each aligned with oneof the plurality of keys and a dome array including a plurality ofdomes, each aligned with one of the plurality of keys and one of theplurality of contact pairs, at least one of the plurality of domeshaving a generally concave orientation as viewed from above prior to keydepression and having an at least partially convex orientation as viewedfrom above upon key depression.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey contact array is formed on a flexible printed circuit substrate andunderlies at least one anti-tamper mesh. Additionally, the at least oneanti-tamper mesh is also formed on the flexible printed circuitsubstrate. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one anti-tampermesh includes a plurality of anti-tamper meshes.

Preferably, the key entry device also includes a protective enclosureincluding at least one anti-tamper mesh surrounding the key contactarray and the dome array.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey entry device also includes a protrusion array underlying the domearray and including a plurality of protrusions, each aligned with one ofthe domes and a protective enclosure including at least one anti-tampermesh and surrounding at least the key contact array, the dome array andthe protrusion array. Additionally, the key entry device also includes aplurality of case open switch assemblies located entirely within theprotective enclosure and protected thereby.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey entry device also includes a protrusion array underlying the domearray and including a plurality of protrusions, each aligned with one ofthe domes, whereby depression of one of the plurality of keys of thekeypad array causes a corresponding one of the domes of the dome arrayto be displaced downwardly and to be deformed by pushing engagement witha corresponding one of the protrusions of the protrusion array intocontact with at least one of the contact pairs of the key contact array.Additionally, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes acorresponding portion of the dome array to be displaced towards acorresponding portion of the protrusion array.

Preferably, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes anunderside surface of the one of the plurality of keys to be depresseddownwardly into downward pushing engagement with a corresponding contactpair of the key contact array, thereby pressing a flat peripheral rim ofa corresponding one of the plurality of domes downward in electricalcontact with a conductive ring, being a first one of the contact pair,thus causing a conductive disk, being a second one of the contact pairs,to form an electrical connection with the one of the plurality of domes,thereby forming an electrical connection between the conductive disk andthe conductive ring. Additionally, the one of the plurality of domes isthereby deformed to be convex at its center when viewed from above dueto engagement of a top surface of the one of the protrusions with theone of the domes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey entry device also includes a plurality of case open switchassemblies including elements integrally formed with the protrusionarray. Additionally, the elements are directed in a direction oppositeto a direction of the protrusions.

There is further provided in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention a key entry device including ahousing, a keypad array disposed within the housing and including aplurality of keys, a key contact array disposed within the housing belowthe keypad array and including a plurality of contact pairs, eachaligned with one of the plurality of keys, a dome array underlying thekeypad array and the key contact array and including a plurality ofdomes, each aligned with one of the plurality of keys and one of theplurality of contact pairs and a protective enclosure including at leastone anti-tamper mesh surrounding the key contact array and the domearray.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey contact array is formed on a flexible printed circuit substrate andunderlies at least one anti-tamper mesh. Additionally, the at least oneanti-tamper mesh is also formed on the flexible printed circuitsubstrate. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one anti-tampermesh includes a plurality of anti-tamper meshes.

Preferably, the key entry device also includes a plurality of case openswitch assemblies located entirely within the protective enclosure andprotected thereby.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey entry device also includes a protrusion array underlying the domearray and including a plurality of protrusions, each aligned with one ofthe domes, whereby depression of one of the plurality of keys of thekeypad array causes a corresponding one of the domes of the dome arrayto be displaced downwardly and to be deformed by pushing engagement witha corresponding one of the protrusions of the protrusion array intocontact with at least one of the contact pairs of the key contact array.Additionally, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes acorresponding portion of the dome array to be displaced towards acorresponding portion of the protrusion array.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thedepression of one of the plurality of keys causes an underside surfaceof the one of the plurality of keys to be depressed downwardly intodownward pushing engagement with a corresponding contact pair of the keycontact array, thereby pressing a flat peripheral rim of a correspondingone of the plurality of domes downward in electrical contact with aconductive ring, being a first one of the contact pair, thus causing aconductive disk, being a second one of the contact pairs, to form anelectrical connection with the one of the plurality of domes, therebyforming an electrical connection between the conductive disk and theconductive ring. Additionally or alternatively, the one of the pluralityof domes is thereby deformed to be convex at its center when viewed fromabove due to engagement of a top surface of the one of the protrusionswith the one of the domes.

Preferably, the protective enclosure also surrounds the protrusionarray.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theplurality of case open switch assemblies includes elements integrallyformed with the protrusion array. Additionally, the elements aredirected in a direction opposite to a direction of the protrusions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention atleast one of the plurality of domes has a generally concave orientationas viewed from above prior to key depression and has an at leastpartially convex orientation as viewed from above upon key depression.

There is yet further provided in accordance with still another preferredembodiment of the present invention a key entry device including ahousing, a keypad array disposed within the housing and including aplurality of keys, a key contact array disposed within the housing belowthe keypad array and including a plurality of contact pairs, eachaligned with one of the plurality of keys, a dome array and including aplurality of domes, each aligned with one of the plurality of keys andone of the plurality of contact pairs, a protective enclosure includingat least one anti-tamper mesh surrounding the key contact array and thedome array and a plurality of case open switch assemblies locatedentirely within the protective enclosure and protected thereby.

Preferably, the key entry device also includes a protrusion arrayunderlying the dome array and including a plurality of protrusions, eachaligned with one of the domes, whereby depression of one of theplurality of keys of the keypad array causes a corresponding one of thedomes of the dome array to be displaced downwardly and to be deformed bypushing engagement with a corresponding one of the protrusions of theprotrusion array into contact with at least one of the contact pairs ofthe key contact array. Additionally, the depression of one of theplurality of keys causes a corresponding portion of the dome array to bedisplaced towards a corresponding portion of the protrusion array.

Preferably, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes anunderside surface of the one of the plurality of keys to be depresseddownwardly into downward pushing engagement with a corresponding contactpair of the key contact array, thereby pressing a flat peripheral rim ofa corresponding one of the plurality of domes downward in electricalcontact with a conductive ring, being a first one of the contact pair,thus causing a conductive disk, being a second one of the contact pairs,to form an electrical connection with the one of the plurality of domes,thereby forming an electrical connection between the conductive disk andthe conductive ring. Additionally or alternatively, the one of theplurality of domes is thereby deformed to be convex at its center whenviewed from above due to engagement of a top surface of the one of theprotrusions with the one of the domes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theplurality of case open switch assemblies includes elements integrallyformed with the protrusion array. Additionally, the elements aredirected in a direction opposite to a direction of the protrusions.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey contact array is formed on a flexible printed circuit substrate andunderlies at least one anti-tamper mesh. Additionally, the at least oneanti-tamper mesh is also formed on the flexible printed circuitsubstrate. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one anti-tampermesh includes a plurality of anti-tamper meshes.

Preferably, at least one of the plurality of domes has a generallyconcave orientation as viewed from above prior to key depression and hasan at least partially convex orientation as viewed from above upon keydepression.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theprotective enclosure also surrounds the protrusion array.

There is even further provided in accordance with yet another preferredembodiment of the present invention a key entry device including ahousing, a keypad array disposed within the housing and including aplurality of keys, a key contact array disposed within the housing belowthe keypad array and including a plurality of contact pairs, eachaligned with one of the plurality of keys, a dome array underlying thekeypad array and the key contact array and including a plurality ofdomes, each aligned with one of the plurality of keys and one of theplurality of contact pairs, a protrusion array underlying the dome arrayand including a plurality of protrusions, each aligned with one of thedomes, a protective enclosure including at least one anti-tamper meshsurrounding at least the key contact array and the dome array and aplurality of case open switch assemblies located entirely within theprotective enclosure and protected thereby, the plurality of case openswitch assemblies including elements integrally formed with theprotrusion array.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention theelements are directed in a direction opposite to a direction of theprotrusions. Preferably, the protective enclosure also surrounds theprotrusion array.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention thekey contact array is formed on a flexible printed circuit substrate andunderlies at least one anti-tamper mesh. Additionally, the at least oneanti-tamper mesh is also formed on the flexible printed circuitsubstrate. Additionally or alternatively, the at least one anti-tampermesh includes a plurality of anti-tamper meshes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention atleast one of the plurality of domes has a generally concave orientationas viewed from above prior to key depression and has an at leastpartially convex orientation as viewed from above upon key depression.Additionally, the depression of one of the plurality of keys of thekeypad array causes a corresponding one of the domes of the dome arrayto be displaced downwardly and to be deformed by pushing engagement witha corresponding one of the protrusions of the protrusion array intocontact with at least one of the contact pairs of the key contact array.

Preferably, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes acorresponding portion of the dome array to be displaced towards acorresponding portion of the protrusion array. Additionally oralternatively, the depression of one of the plurality of keys causes anunderside surface of the one of the plurality of keys to be depresseddownwardly into downward pushing engagement with a corresponding contactpair of the key contact array, thereby pressing a flat peripheral rim ofa corresponding one of the plurality of domes downward in electricalcontact with a conductive ring, being a first one of the contact pair,thus causing a conductive disk, being a second one of the contact pairs,to form an electrical connection with the one of the plurality of domes,thereby forming an electrical connection between the conductive disk andthe conductive ring. Additionally, the one of the plurality of domes isthereby deformed to be convex at its center when viewed from above dueto engagement of a top surface of the one of the protrusions with theone of the domes.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The present invention will be understood and appreciated more fully fromthe following detailed description, taken in conjunction with thedrawings in which:

FIGS. 1A and 1B are simplified pictorial exploded view illustrations ofa smart card data entry device constructed and operative in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions;

FIG. 1C is a simplified pictorial assembled view illustration of thesmart card data entry device of FIGS. 1A & 1B;

FIG. 1D is a simplified sectional illustration taken along lines ID-IDin FIG. 1C;

FIGS. 2A and 2B are simplified exploded view illustrations of a securityvolume assembly forming part of the smart card data entry device ofFIGS. 1A-1C, taken in respective downward and upward facing directions;

FIGS. 3A and 3B are simplified exploded view illustrations of asubassembly of the security volume assembly of FIGS. 2A & 2B, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions;

FIGS. 3C and 3D are simplified planar illustrations of two alternativeembodiments of a subsequently folded element forming part of thesubassembly of FIGS. 3A & 3B;

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F are simplified illustrations of steps infolding of the folded element of either of FIGS. 3C & 3D;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are simplified pictorial illustrations of a firstembodiment of another subassembly of the security volume assembly shownin FIGS. 2A & 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facingdirections;

FIG. 5C is a simplified assembled view illustration of the subassemblyof FIGS. 5A & 5B together with a printed circuit board shown in FIGS.1A-2B, cooperating therewith;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are simplified view illustrations of a second embodimentof another subassembly of the security volume assembly shown in FIGS. 2A& 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facing directions;

FIG. 6C is a simplified assembled view illustration of the subassemblyof FIGS. 6A & 6B together with a printed circuit board shown in FIGS.1A-2B, cooperating therewith;

FIG. 6D is a simplified exploded view illustration of the subassembly ofFIGS. 6A and 6B;

FIGS. 7A and 7B are simplified view illustrations of a third embodimentof another subassembly of the security volume assembly shown in FIGS. 2A& 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facing directions;

FIG. 7C is a simplified assembled view illustration of the subassemblyof FIGS. 7A & 7B together with a printed circuit board shown in FIGS.1A-2B, cooperating therewith.

FIGS. 8A and 8B are simplified pictorial exploded view illustrations ofa smart card data entry device constructed and operative in accordancewith a preferred embodiment of the present invention, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions;

FIG. 8C is a simplified pictorial assembled view illustration of thesmart card data entry device of FIGS. 8A & 8B;

FIG. 8D is a simplified sectional illustration taken along linesVIIID-VIIID in FIG. 8C;

FIGS. 9A and 9B are simplified exploded view illustrations of a securityvolume assembly forming part of the smart card data entry device ofFIGS. 8A-8C, taken in respective downward and upward facing directions;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are simplified exploded view illustrations of anothersubassembly of the security volume assembly of FIGS. 9A & 9B, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions;

FIG. 11 is a simplified exploded view generalized upward-facing viewillustration of a subsequently folded element forming part of thesubassembly of FIGS. 10A & 10B;

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are simplified planar illustrations of the layersof the subsequently folded element of FIG. 11;

FIG. 13A is a simplified illustration of a subassembly of the domeassembly shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and includes a downward-facingassembled view and corresponding sectional and exploded views;

FIG. 13B is a simplified illustration of a subassembly of the domeassembly shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B and includes an upward facingassembled view and a corresponding exploded view;

FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F and 14G are simplified illustrationsof steps in assembly of the subassembly of FIGS. 10A and 10B;

FIG. 15 is a simplified pictorial illustration of a printed circuitboard forming part of the smart card data entry device of FIGS. 8A-12E;and

FIGS. 16A & 16B are simplified illustrations of key engagement operationof the smart card data entry device of FIGS. 8A-14E.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

Reference is now made to FIGS. 1A and 1B, which are simplified pictorialexploded view illustrations of a machine readable card data entry deviceconstructed and operative in accordance with a preferred embodiment ofthe present invention, taken in respective downward and upward facingdirections, to FIG. 1C, which is an assembled view of the machinereadable card data entry device, and to FIG. 1D, which is a simplifiedsectional illustration of the machine readable card data entry device ofFIGS. 1A-1C.

As seen in FIGS. 1A-1D, the machine readable card entry data entrydevice preferably comprises a housing 100 including a top housingportion 102 and a bottom housing portion 104. Top housing portion 102preferably defines an array 105 of key apertures 106. Bottom housingportion 104 preferably defines a magnetic card reading slit 110 havingan aperture 111. Top and bottom housing portions preferably togetherdefine a smart card reading slot 112. Bottom housing portion 104 definesa plurality of upstanding bosses 114. Top housing portion 102 defines aplurality of downward facing bosses 115.

Located within housing 100 is an LCD assembly 120. LCD assembly 120 mayoptionally include a touchscreen panel, such as a LCM260-002-01-A,manufactured by GIANTPLUS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, 15 Industrial Road,Toufen, Miauli, Taiwan.

Also located within housing 100, adjacent slit 110, is a magnetic cardreader subassembly 130. Magnetic card reader subassembly 130 preferablycomprises a magnetic card reader head 132, typically a MSR252-011-01-A,manufactured by APOLLO (ZHUHAI) ELECTRONICS CO, Apollo Bldg., Lan-puIndustrial Area E, Jiuzhou Rd, Zhuhai, China, which is mounted intoaperture 111.

Additionally located within housing 100 and preferably mounted ontobosses 114 and/or bosses 115, as seen particularly in FIG. 1D, is asecurity volume assembly 140, which is described hereinbelow in greaterdetail with reference to FIGS. 2A-7C and within which is defined asecurity volume. There is provided an electrical connection betweenmagnetic card reader subassembly 130, typically via a flexible cable 141and a connector 142, and circuitry located within security volumeassembly 140. There is also provided an electrical connection betweenLCD assembly 120, typically via a flexible cable 143 and a connector144, and circuitry located within security volume assembly 140.

It is appreciated that a smart card to be read may be inserted via slot112 into operative engagement with an interior of the security volumeassembly, as described in detail hereinbelow. Slot 112 is aligned with acorresponding smart card read/write slot 145 formed in assembly 140.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 2A and 2B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of security volume assembly 140, forming part of themachine readable card data entry device of FIGS. 1A & 1B, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions.

As seen in FIGS. 2A and 2B, the security volume assembly 140 comprises akeypad element 150, preferably formed of a resilient material such asrubber. Keypad element 150 is preferably a unitary element whichdefines, on a top surface 151 thereof, an array 152 of displaceable keys153 which are configured to extend through corresponding array 105 ofkey apertures 106 (FIG. 1A) on top housing element 102. Keypad element150 may be provided with key covers 154. Each of displaceable keys 153is preferably formed on an underside thereof with a pin 155.

Keypad element 150 preferably is provided with eight pins, including sixedge pins 156 and two interior pins 158. Each of pins 156 and 158 extendfrom a bottom surface 159 of keypad element 150.

Security volume assembly 140 preferably also includes an apertured lightguide element 160 having apertures 165, 166 and 168 for accommodatingrespective pins 155, 156 and 158.

Security volume assembly 140 preferably additionally includes an array170 of domes 172, which are engaged by pins 155 when keys 153 aredepressed. Domes are mounted, as by adhesive, such as an adhesive layer174, or by soldering, onto a contact subassembly 180, which is describedhereinbelow in detail with reference to FIGS. 3A-4G.

Adhesive layer 174 includes six apertures, including four edge apertures186, for accommodating corresponding pins 156 and two interior apertures188, for accommodating pins 158.

Located within security volume assembly 140 and forming part thereof isa smart card connector assembly 210, various embodiments of which arcdescribed hereinbelow with reference to FIGS. 5A-7C, which is mounted ona printed circuit hoard 220.

It is seen that in accordance with a preferred embodiment of theinvention there are provided a plurality of tamper detection switchassemblies 222.

Each tamper detection switch assembly 222 preferably includes a carbonpill 226, which is fixed to the bottom of pins 156 and 158, and a pairof electrical contacts 228, mounted on printed circuit board 220,preferably each including a central conductor 232 and at least onecircumferential ring 234, which preferably includes an inner ring 235and an outer grounded ring 236, either or both of which may includeplural segmented ring portions (not shown).

When the housing is closed and top housing portion 102 and bottomhousing portion 104 are fully engaged, carbon pills 226, fixed to thebottom surfaces of pins 156 and 158, are positioned so as to shortcircuit respective electric central conductors 232 and respective atleast one circumferential rings 234. Alternatively, carbon pills 226 maybe replaced by deformable conductive domes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theprinted circuit board 220 is formed with a protective anti-tamper mesh238, which is preferably at least one layer of a dense array of twoconductors arranged side by side and is connected to alarm circuitry,described hereinbelow. Printed circuit board 220 is also preferablyprovided with connectors 240, 242 and 244, which preferably provide anelectrical connection between elements on the printed circuit board 220and flexible cable 141, contact subassembly 180 and flexible cable 143,respectively. Connector 242 is preferably a Zebra connector.

Printed circuit board 220 preferably has mounted thereon a mainprocessor 250 and its memory 252, which may contain highly sensitiveinformation, as well as tamper detection and alarm circuitry 254. Tamperdetection and alarm circuitry 254 may be conventional circuitry whichprovides an alarm, such as an audio or visually sensible alarm, inresponse to sensed detection of tampering, evidenced, for example by ashort circuit or an open circuit in one or more protective mesh, such asmesh 238. Tamper detection and alarm circuitry 254 may also beresponsive to tampering for erasing sensitive information and disablingcommunication of sensitive information.

Preferably, printed circuit board 220 is also formed with a plurality ofapertures 290 for precise parallel spacing between smart card connectorassembly 210 and printed circuit hoard 220. Preferably, printed circuithoard 220 is additionally formed with a pair of apertures 292 forreceiving bosses 114 and/or bosses 115.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 3A and 3B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of the contact subassembly 180 of the security volumeassembly 140 of FIGS. 2A & 2B, taken in respective downward and upwardfacing directions, and to FIGS. 3C and 3D, which are simplified planarillustrations of two alternative embodiments of a subsequently foldedelement forming part of the subassembly of FIGS. 3A & 3B.

As seen in FIGS. 3A & 3B, contact subassembly 180 includes a frame 300,which partially surrounds smart card connector 210 (FIGS. 2A & 2B), anda folded flexible PCB 302, which is wrapped about frame 300. Frame 300includes eight apertures, including six edge apertures 303, foraccommodating corresponding pins 156 and two interior apertures 304, foraccommodating corresponding pins 158.

Folded flexible PCB 302 includes eight apertures, including six edgeapertures 305, corresponding to apertures 303, for accommodatingcorresponding pins 156, and two interior apertures 306, corresponding toapertures 304, for accommodating corresponding pins 158.

Folded flexible PCB 302 preferably includes an array 307 of electricalcontacts 308, preferably each including a central conductor 309 and atleast one circumferential ring 310, which are short circuited byengagement therewith of respective domes 172 upon depression ofrespective keys 153 and resulting deformation of domes 172 by pins 155of respective keys 153.

Folded flexible PCB 302 preferably further includes a protectiveanti-tamper mesh 312, preferably formed as at least one layer of a densearray of two electrical conductors arranged side by side and coupled toan alarm circuit, which is described hereinbelow.

As seen particularly in FIG. 3B, an underside of frame 300 includes agenerally flat main portion 314 surrounded on three sides by a U-shapedsupport portion 315, including a central portion 316 and a pair of arms318 and 320, extending perpendicularly therefrom. Arms 318 and 320 areeach also formed with corresponding throughgoing apertures 322 and 324,respectively.

Central portion 316 may also be provided with a pair of internallythreaded apertured bosses 326 for accommodating screws (not shown) whichconnect contact subassembly 180 of the security volume assembly 140 toPCB 220 and which assist in securing zebra connector 242 in place.

U-shaped support portion 315 has a generally recessed flat bottomsurface 330, surrounded by an upstanding peripheral wall 332.Anti-tamper mesh 312, peripheral wall 332, a plurality of internal walls334 and the anti-tamper mesh 238 on the printed circuit board 220 definea number of protected enclosures 335 in which various electroniccomponents, such as magnetic stripe reader connector 142 andcorresponding connector 240, LCD connector 144 and correspondingconnector 244, main processor 250 and memory 252, which may containhighly sensitive information, such as encryption keys, and tamperdetection and alarm circuitry 254 may be located. Zebra connector 242(FIG. 2A) is preferably located between bosses 326, peripheral wall 332and one of internal walls 334.

It is appreciated that anti-tamper mesh 312, generally flat main portion314 and upstanding peripheral wall 332 and the anti-tamper mesh 238 onthe printed circuit board 220 together define a protected zone 336 inwhich smart card connector assembly 210 is located.

If the main processor 250 is a stand-alone secure processor, it may belocated outside of a protected zone.

As seen in FIG. 3C, in one embodiment of the invention, the folded,flexible PCB 302, here shown in a flat state as indicated by referencenumeral 344, includes two layers 346 and 348, preferably havingrespective protective anti-tamper meshes 350 and 352 along substantiallytheir entire surfaces, each of protective anti-tamper meshes 350 and 352being preferably formed of a dense array of pairs of side-by-sideconductors which are coupled to tamper detection and alarm circuitry254.

Layer 346 preferably includes array 307 of electrical contacts 308, eachincluding each including a central conductor 309 and at least onecircumferential ring 310, and is formed with edge apertures 305 andinternal apertures 306. Layer 346 also includes conductors 356 whichconnect each circumferential ring 310 to a corresponding connector pad358.

Layer 348 preferably includes an array 360 of pads 362, each of whichunderlies central conductor 309 and is coupled thereto by a via 364.Each of pads 362 is preferably connected by an electrical conductor 365to a corresponding connector pad 366.

Anti-tamper mesh 350 preferably substantially surrounds each ofelectrical contacts 308, as well as edge apertures 305 and internalapertures 306, and provides anti-tamper protection thereto. Anti-tampermesh 350 also protects electrical conductors 365 from above. This isimportant since electrical conductors 365 normally carry signalsrepresenting key presses, which may contain sensitive PIN (PersonalIdentification Number) information.

Anti-tamper mesh 352 preferably substantially surrounds each of pads362, electrical conductors 365 and connector pads 366 as well as edgeapertures 305 and internal apertures 306 and provides anti-tamperprotection thereto.

As seen in FIG. 3D, in another embodiment of the invention, the foldedflexible PCB, here shown in a flat state as indicated by referencenumeral 384, includes three layers 386, 387 and 388. Layer 386 may beidentical to layer 346 of the embodiment of FIG. 3C.

Layers 386 and 388 preferably having respective protective anti-tampermeshes 390 and 392 along substantially their entire surfaces. Each ofprotective anti-tamper meshes 390 and 392 is preferably formed of adense array of pairs of side-by-side conductors which are coupled totamper detection and alarm circuitry 254 via respective connector pads394 and 395. Preferably one of the side-by-side conductors in each pairmay be connected to ground, while the other of the side-by-sideconductors in each pair may be coupled to a voltage other than groundand preferably carries an anti-tamper signal.

Layer 386 preferably includes array 307 of electrical contacts 308, eachincluding each including a central conductor 309 and at least onecircumferential ring 310, and is formed with edge apertures 305 andinternal apertures 306. Layer 386 also includes conductors 396 whichconnect each circumferential ring 310 to a corresponding connector pad398.

Layer 387 preferably includes an array 400 of pads 402, each of whichunderlies central conductor 309 and is coupled thereto by a via 404.Each of pads 402 is preferably connected by an electrical conductor 406to a corresponding connector pad 408.

Anti-tamper mesh 390 preferably substantially surrounds each ofelectrical contacts 308, as well as edge apertures 305 and internalapertures 306, and provides anti-tamper protection thereto. Anti-tampermesh 390 also protects electrical conductors 406 from above. This isimportant since electrical conductors 406 normally carry signalsrepresenting key presses, which may contain sensitive PIN (PersonalIdentification Number) information.

Anti-tamper mesh 392 preferably protects array 307 of electricalcontacts 308, electrical conductors 396 and array 400 of pads 402 andelectrical conductors 406 from below.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F, which aresimplified illustrations of steps in folding of folded flexible PCB 302of either of the embodiments shown in FIGS. 3C & 3D.

As seen in FIG. 4A, prior to folding, flexible PCB 302, is a generallyflat multi-layer PCB 410 of generally rectangular configuration.Generally flat multi-layer PCB 410 preferably includes a main portion412 having formed on an underside surface thereof (in the sense of FIG.4A) array 307 of electrical contacts 308, each including each includinga central conductor 309 and at least one circumferential ring 310. Mainportion 412 is formed with edge apertures 305 and internal apertures306.

Extending outwardly from main portion 412 are a pair of forward edgeflaps 414, four corner flaps 416, two side edge flaps 418, a connectorflap 420, a pair of fold over back flaps 422 and a back edge flap 424.It is appreciated that preferably all of the above flaps are providedwith anti-tamper meshes along substantially the entire extent thereof.

As seen in FIGS. 4A and 4B, frame 300 is initially aligned over mainportion 412, such that apertures 305 and 306 of the multi-layer PCB 410are aligned with corresponding apertures 303 and 304 of the frame 300.

As seen in FIG. 4C, preferably side flaps 418 are folded up overcorresponding side edge surfaces of frame 300. As seen in FIG. 4D,preferably corner flaps 416 are folded over both front corner surfacesof frame 300 and adjacent portions of peripheral wall surface 332 andover corner portions of a hack edge surface of frame 300.

FIG. 4E shows that forward edge flaps 414 are folded up over thoseportions of flaps 416 which extend along peripheral wall surface 332.Folded forward edge flaps 414 also extend further inwardly alongperipheral wall surface 332 beyond flaps 416. FIG. 4E also shows thatthe connector flap 420 and pair of fold over back flaps 422 and the backedge flap 424 are raised and folded over back surface of frame 300.

FIG. 4F shows back flaps 422 folded over corresponding back portions ofperipheral wall surface 332 and connector flap 420 being double foldedso as to be located within one of protected enclosures 335 betweenbosses 326.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present inventionthat there is provided a security volume, which in the illustratedembodiment is defined by anti-tamper meshes 238 and 312, which enclosesat least part of the printed circuit board, at least part of thesmartcard connector and a plurality of keypad contacts. Tamper detectionswitch assemblies 222 extend through apertures in anti-tamper meshes 312and provide further protection for the security volume.

It is also a particular feature of the present invention that thesecurity volume is defined at least in part by a folded single flexiblePCB, which provides protection for at least one planar surface of thevolume and wherein side folded edges of the PCB provide side edgeprotection to the enclosure.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 5A and 5B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of a first embodiment 500 of smart card connectorassembly 210 (FIGS. 2A & 2B), of the security volume assembly 140 shownin FIGS. 2A & 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facingdirections, and to FIG. 5C, which is a simplified assembled viewillustration of the subassembly of FIGS. 5A & 5B together with printedcircuit board 220, shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, cooperating therewith.

As seen in FIGS. 5A-5C, the smart card connector assembly 500 includes agenerally rectangular slot surface defining element 510 typically formedof plastic and including an array of eight apertures 512, each of whichaccommodates a smart card reading spring contact 514. Each of smart cardreading spring contacts 514 is coupled to a corresponding electricaledge contact 516. Generally rectangular slot surface defining element510 is preferably formed with depending wall portions 520, 522 and 524along three edges thereof.

Adjacent corners of slot surface defining element 510 there are sideprotrusions 530, each of which is formed with a downward facing peg 532having a circumferential wall surface 534. Pegs 532 are configured forinsertion into apertures 290 on printed circuit board 220 to provideprecise parallel spacing between slot surface defining element 510 andprinted circuit board 220. Alternatively, protrusions 530 may beobviated and pegs 532 may be formed on a downward facing surface of slotsurface defining element 510 adjacent corners thereof. Optionally,additional pegs 532 may be included on a downward facing surface of slotsurface defining element 510.

An additional spring contact assembly 540, including a spring contactfinger 542, is also mounted on slot surface defining element 510 and isconnected to electrical edge contacts 544. Assembly 540 is operative forcard entry detection.

Turning particularly to FIG. 5C, it is seen that slot surface definingelement 510 is mounted in parallel precise propinquity to printedcircuit board 220 by inserting pegs 532 into apertures 290 on printedcircuit board 220, thereby defining a smart card read/write slot 550,which corresponds to smart card read/write slot 145 (FIGS. 1A & 1B).

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat a significant reduction in the thickness of the smart card readerdevice is realized by defining slot 550 between slot surface definingelement 510 and printed circuit board 220. A preferred embodiment has anoverall thickness of 2.5 mm from the top surface of the printed circuitboard 220 to the upward facing surface of slot surface defining element510.

It is a particular feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 5A & 5B that thesmart card connector 500 cooperates with printed circuit board 220 todefine a smart card reading volume into which a smart card is insertedvia slot 550 for reading thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 6A and 6B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of a second embodiment 600 of smart card connectorassembly 210 (FIGS. 2A & 2B), of the security volume assembly 140 shownin FIGS. 2A & 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facingdirections, to FIG. 6C, which is a simplified assembled viewillustration of the subassembly of FIGS. 6A & 6B together with printedcircuit board 220, shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, cooperating therewith, and toFIG. 6D, which is a simplified exploded view illustration of thesubassembly of FIGS. 6A and 6B.

As seen in FIGS. 6A-6D, the smart card connector assembly 600 includes agenerally rectangular slot surface defining element 610 typically formedof plastic and including an array of eight apertures 612, each of whichaccommodates a smart card reading spring contact 614. Each of smart cardreading spring contacts 614 is coupled to a corresponding electricaledge contact 616. Generally rectangular slot surface defining element610 is preferably formed with depending wall portions 620, 622 and 624along three edges thereof.

Adjacent corners of slot surface defining element 610 are formed sideprotrusions 630, each of which is formed with a downward facing peg 632having a circumferential wall surface 634. Pegs 632 are configured forinsertion into apertures 290 on printed circuit board 220 to provideprecise parallel spacing between slot surface defining element 610 andprinted circuit board 220. Alternatively, protrusions 630 may beobviated and pegs 632 may be formed on a downward facing surface of slotsurface defining element 610 adjacent corners thereof. Optionally,additional pegs 632 may be included on a downward facing surface of slotsurface defining element 610.

An additional spring contact assembly 640, including a spring contactfinger 642, is also mounted on slot surface defining element 610, whichis connected to electrical edge contacts 644. Assembly 640 is operativefor card entry detection.

As distinguished from the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, and as seenparticularly in FIGS. 6B and 6C, the smart card connector assembly 600of FIGS. 6A 6D also includes an apertured metal underplate 650 whichprovides electrical static discharge and also defines a smart cardread/write slot 652, which corresponds to slot 145 (FIGS. 1A & 1B).Additionally, underplate 650 provides enhanced structural integrity tothe smart card connector assembly 650.

A pair of springs 654 are integrally formed with underplate 650 andserve to urge a smart card upwardly such that electrical contacts of thesmart card (not shown) engage smart card reading spring contacts 614.Springs 654 may also provide electrostatic discharge.

Preferably, underplate 650 is formed with a lip 656 for engagement withan edge of printed circuit board 220. Additionally, underplate 650 ispreferably provided with two pairs of side engagement portions 658 forengagement with corresponding protrusions 660 on wall portions 620 and624 of the smart card connector assembly 600.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat a significant reduction in the thickness of the smart card readerdevice is realized by defining slot 652 between slot surface definingelement 610 and metal underplate 650. A preferred embodiment has anoverall thickness of 2.8 mm from the top surface of the printed circuitboard 220 to the upward facing surface of slot surface defining element610.

It is a particular feature of the embodiment of FIGS. 6A & 6B that thesmart card connector 600 cooperates with underplate 650 to define asmart card reading volume into which a smart card is inserted via slot652 for reading thereof.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 7A and 7B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of a third embodiment 700 of smart card connectorassembly 210 (FIGS. 2A & 2B) of the security volume assembly shown inFIGS. 2A & 2B, taken in respective downward and upward facingdirections, and to FIG. 7C, which is a simplified assembled viewillustration of the subassembly of FIGS. 7A & 7B together with printedcircuit board 220, shown in FIGS. 1A-2B, cooperating therewith.

As seen in FIGS. 7A-7C, smart card connector assembly 700 includes agenerally rectangular element 710, typically formed of plastic andincluding an array of eight apertures 712, each of which accommodates asmart card reading spring contact 714. Each of smart card reading springcontacts 714 is coupled to a corresponding electrical edge contact 716.

Generally rectangular element 710 is preferably formed with dependingwall portions 720, 722 and 724 along three edges thereof and with a slotopening defining edge portion 726.

Formed on an underside surface of element 710 are downward facing pegs732, each having a circumferential wall surface 734. Pegs 732 arcconfigured for insertion into apertures 290 on printed circuit board 220to provide parallel spacing between element 710 and printed circuithoard 220. It is seen in FIG. 7B that a bottom side of element 710includes a main recess 735, which is bordered by raised side portions736 and 738, each of which may have multiple openings, such as thosedesignated by reference numerals 740, 742, 744 and 746 for accommodatingadditional components within the security volume assembly 140 (FIGS. 1A& 1B).

An additional spring contact assembly (not shown), including a springcontact finger (not shown), is also mounted on element 710 and isconnected to electrical edge contacts 748. This assembly is operativefor card entry detection.

As distinguished from the embodiment of FIGS. 5A-5C, and as seenparticularly in FIGS. 7A and 7C, smart card connector assembly 700 ofFIGS. 7A-7C also includes an apertured metal underplate 750, which maybe molded into element 710 and defines the floor of main recess 735.

Underplate 750 and element 710 together define smart card read/writeslot 752, which corresponds to slot 145 (FIGS. 1A & 1B). Underplate 750may include spring fingers 754, similar to springs 654 in the metalplate in FIG. 6D, which preferably push a smart card located in slot 752into reading engagement with spring contacts 714 and may also provideelectrical static discharge. Additionally, underplate 750 providesenhanced structural integrity to the smart card connector assembly 700.An electrical edge contact 756 is connected to metal underplate 750 forgrounding and electrical static discharge protection.

It is a particular feature of embodiments of the present invention thatthe keypad element 150 and the array 170 of domes 172, the array 307 ofelectrical contacts 308 and the smart card connector 210 are all locatedon the same side of the printed circuit board 220.

It is a particular feature of the present invention that electricalcontacts 228 of tamper detection switch assemblies 222 are aligned witheach one of pins 156 and 158 and corresponding apertures 166 & 168, 186& 188 and 305 & 306, such that, in the absence of tampering, carbonpills 226 fixed to the bottom surfaces of pins 156 and 158, extendthrough respective apertures 166 & 168, 186 & 188 and 305 & 306, intocircuit closing engagement with central conductor 232 and at least oneof at least one circumferential ring 234 of electrical contact arrays228. If the housing is opened, this electrical engagement isinterrupted, producing an alarm.

It is a particular feature of this embodiment of the present inventionthat pins 156 and 158 extend through at least one protective anti-tampermesh and thus provide mutual protection.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the presentinvention that the protective security anti-tamper mesh 312, which isconnected to tamper detection and alarm circuitry 254, protectsconnections to the various electrical contacts 228, connectors 240, 242and 244 and also protects smart card reading spring contacts, 514, 614and 714 and electrical edge contacts 516, 616 and 716 from tampering.

It is a further particular feature of an embodiment of the presentinvention that security volume assembly 140 is protected by at least onezebra connector 242, a plurality of tamper detection switch assemblies222 and a multi-layer flexible circuit board 302 including at least oneprotective security anti-tamper mesh 312, which is connected to tamperdetection and alarm circuitry 254, and wherein protective securityanti-tamper mesh 312 protects the plurality of tamper detection switchassemblies 222 and zebra connector 242 from unauthorized access. Zebraconnector 242 and the plurality of tamper detection switch assemblies222 together protect the protective security anti-tamper mesh 312 frombeing removed or lifted.

It is appreciated that anti-tamper meshes 238 and 312 and tamperdetection switch assemblies 222 are preferably all connected to tamperdetection and alarm circuitry 254.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 8A and 8B, which are simplified pictorialexploded view illustrations of a machine readable card data entry deviceconstructed and operative in accordance with another preferredembodiment of the present invention, taken in respective downward andupward facing directions, to FIG. 8C, which is an assembled view of themachine readable card data entry device, and to FIG. 8D, which is asimplified sectional illustration of the machine readable card dataentry device of FIGS. 8A-8C.

As seen in FIGS. 8A-8D, the machine readable card entry data entrydevice preferably comprises a housing 1000 including a top housingportion 1002 and a bottom housing portion 1004. Top housing portion 1002preferably defines an array 1005 of key apertures 1006. Top housingportion 1002 preferably defines a magnetic card reading slot 1010 and anaperture 1011 communicating with slot 1010. Top and bottom housingportions preferably together define a smart card reading slot 1012.Bottom housing portion 1004 defines a plurality of sockets 1014. Tophousing portion 1002 defines a plurality of downward facing bosses 1015,which engage sockets 1014.

Located within housing 1000 is an LCD assembly 1020. LCD assembly 1020may optionally include a touchscreen panel, such as a LCM260-002-01-A,manufactured by GIANTPLUS TECHNOLOGY CO., LTD, 15 Industrial Road,Toufen, Miauli, Taiwan.

Also located within housing 1000, adjacent slot 1010, is a magnetic cardreader subassembly 1030. Magnetic card reader subassembly 1030preferably comprises a magnetic card reader head 1032, typically aMSR252-011-01-A, manufactured by APOLLO (ZHUHAI) ELECTRONICS CO, ApolloBldg., Lan-pu Industrial Area E, Jiuzhou Rd, Zhuhai, China, which ismounted into aperture 1011.

Additionally located within housing 1000 and preferably mounted onto tophousing portion 1002, as seen particularly in FIG. 8D, is a securityvolume assembly 1040, which is described hereinbelow with reference toFIGS. 9A-12E. Located within security volume assembly 1040 and formingpart thereof is a smart card connector assembly, various embodiments ofwhich are described hereinabove with reference to FIGS. 5A-7C.

There is provided an electrical connection between magnetic card readersubassembly 1030, typically via a flexible cable 1041 and a connector1042, and circuitry located within security volume assembly 1040. Thereis also provided an electrical connection between LCD assembly 1020,typically via a flexible cable 1043 and a connector 1044, and circuitrylocated within security volume assembly 1040.

It is appreciated that a smart card to be read may be inserted via slit1012 into operative engagement with an interior of the security volumeassembly. Slot 1012 is aligned with a corresponding smart cardread/write slot 1045 formed in assembly 1040.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 9A and 9B, which are simplified explodedview illustrations of security volume assembly 1040, forming part of themachine readable card data entry device of FIGS. 8A & 8B, taken inrespective downward and upward facing directions.

As seen in FIGS. 9A and 9B, the security volume assembly 1040 comprisesa keypad element 1050, preferably formed of a resilient material, suchas rubber. Keypad element 1050 is preferably a unitary element whichdefines, on a top surface 1051 thereof, an array 1052 of displaceablekeys 1053 which are configured to extend through corresponding array1005 of key apertures 1006 (FIG. 8A) on top housing element 1002. Eachof displaceable keys 1053 is preferably formed with an underside surface1055.

Security volume assembly 1040 optionally also includes an aperturedlight guide element 1060 having apertures 1065 for accommodating keys1053.

Security volume assembly 1040 preferably additionally includes a foldedflexible PCB 1070, which is described hereinbelow in detail withreference to FIGS. 11-12C. Underlying folded flexible PCB 1070 is a domeassembly 1080, which is described hereinbelow in detail with referenceto FIGS. 13A and 13B. Underlying dome assembly 1080 is a protrusionarray element 1090. Protrusion array element 1090 includes an array ofprotrusions 1092 extending upwardly, in the sense of FIG. 9A, from acorresponding array of recessed surfaces 1094 arranged with respect to agenerally planar surface 1096. A plurality of case open switch pins 1098extend downwardly, in the sense of FIG. 9A, from a downwardly facingplanar surface 1099 of element 1090.

Folded flexible PCB 1070, dome assembly 1080 and protrusion arrayelement 1090 are mounted onto a frame 1100, which surrounds a smart cardconnector 1110, by folding and wrapping flexible PCB 1070 over frame1100 with dome assembly 1080 and protrusion array 1090 being located andretained between folded flexible PCB 1070 and frame 1100. As notedabove, smart card connector 1110 may be any suitable smart cardconnector, such as those described hereinabove with reference to FIGS.5A-7C.

Frame 1100 and smart card connector 1110 are preferably mounted onto aprinted circuit board 1120, which is illustrated in FIG. 15.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 10A and 10B, which are simplifiedexploded view illustrations of a subassembly 1130 of the security volumeassembly 1040 of FIGS. 9A & 9B, taken in respective downward and upwardfacing directions. It is seen that subassembly 1130 comprises foldedflexible PCB 1070, dome assembly 1080 and protrusion array element 1090,which are together mounted onto frame 1100.

An enlargement A in FIG. 10B shows an entry key contact pad pair 1150,including a conductive disk 1152 and a conductive ring 1154, surroundingand insulated from disk 1152. The entry key contact pad pair 1150 formspart of an array 1156, which is located on a downward facing surface offolded flexible PCB 1070.

An enlargement B in FIG. 10B shows a dimpled dome 1160 having a concaveoverall configuration, as seen in an upward facing view, when acorresponding key is not depressed. Dome 1160 forms part of an array1166, which forms part of dome assembly 1080.

Reference is now made to FIG. 11, which is a simplified exploded viewgeneralized illustration of a subsequently folded flexible PCB 1070forming part of the subassembly of FIGS. 10A & 10B and to FIGS. 12A, 12Band 12C, which are simplified planar illustrations of the layers of thesubsequently folded flexible PCB 1070 of FIG. 11.

As seen generally in FIG. 11, the subsequently folded flexible PCB 1070includes first and second anti-tamper mesh layers, here designated byreference numerals 1170 and 1172, which overlie contact pad layer 1174.It is seen that contact pad layer 1174 includes downwardly-facing array1156 of entry key contact pad pairs 1150. It is appreciated that themesh configurations of the first and second anti-tamper mesh layers 1170and 1172 are preferably as shown generally in FIGS. 12A and 12Brespectively.

Each of protective anti-tamper meshes 1170 and 1172 is preferably formedof a dense array of conductors, which are coupled to tamper detectionand alarm circuitry 1175 on printed circuit board 1120 (FIG. 15).Preferably one of the anti-tamper meshes 1170 and 1172 may be connectedto ground, while the other of the anti-tamper meshes 1170 and 1172 maybe coupled to a voltage other than ground and preferably carries ananti-tamper signal.

Turning now to FIG. 12C, it is seen that entry key contact pad pairs1150 of downwardly-facing array 1156 are connected to zebra connectorcontacts 1180 and 1182, which arc engaged by corresponding zebraconnectors 1190 and 1192 mounted on printed circuit board 1120 (FIG.15).

Reference is now made to FIG. 13A, which is a simplified illustration ofa subassembly of the dome assembly 1080 of FIGS. 9A and 9B and includesa downward-facing assembled view and corresponding sectional andexploded views as well as enlargements, and to FIG. 13B, which is asimplified illustration of a subassembly of the dome assembly 1080 andincludes an upward facing assembled view and a corresponding explodedview.

As seen in FIGS. 13A and 13B, the dome assembly 1080 preferably includesan apertured plastic sheet 1200, typically formed of PET and having anarray 1202 of apertures 1204 whose locations generally correspond tothose of keys 1053 (FIG. 9A). Array 1202 preferably includes three rows1206 of apertures 1204. Strips 1208 of double sided adhesive arepreferably located between rows 1206 and along most of the periphery ofapertured plastic sheet 1200. Strips 1208 are operative to attach thedome assembly 1080 to the underside of flexible PCB 1070 at locationsintermediate and peripherally of rows of entry key contact pad pairs1150 (FIGS. 10A and 10B).

Preferably, each of apertures 1204 is centered about a location of thecenter of a corresponding entry key contact pad pair 1150 and iscentered about a location of the center of a corresponding protrusion1092 (FIG. 9A).

Dimpled domes 1160 of array 1166 (FIG. 10A) are each arranged in acorresponding aperture 1204 and are centered with respect thereto,thereby preferably defining a circumferential gap 1210 between acircumferential edge 1212 of each dome and a correspondingcircumferential edge 1214 of each corresponding aperture 1204 inapertured plastic sheet 1200.

Dimpled domes 1160 are supported onto apertured plastic sheet 1200 by alayer 1220 of adhesive. As seen clearly in a sectional enlargementforming part of FIG. 13A, each of domes 1160 is generally concave asviewed from above and includes a plurality of upwardly facing dimples1230 and a generally flat peripheral rim 1232. Domes 1160 are preferablyformed of a conductive metal, such as nickel-plated stainless steel.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 14A, 14B, 14C, 14D, 14E, 14F and 14G,which are simplified illustrations of steps in folding of foldedflexible PCB 1070 in various views.

As seen in FIG. 14A, prior to folding, flexible PCB 1070, is a generallyflat multi-layer PCB of generally rectangular configuration. Thegenerally flat multi-layer PCB preferably includes a main portion 1240having formed on an underside surface thereof (in the sense of FIG. 14A)array 1156 of entry key contact pad pairs 1150 (FIG. 10B). Main portion1240 is formed with a plurality of alignment apertures 1242.

Extending respectively forwardly and rearwardly from main portion 1240are a forward edge flap 1250, forward edge end flaps 1251 and 1252 and arearward edge flap 1254, including end flaps 1256 and 1258. Extendingfrom a first side of main portion 1240 is a first side flap 1260, fromwhich extend a first forward side apertured flap 1262 and a firstrearward side flap 1264. First forward side apertured flap 1262 definesan aperture 1266. Extending from a second side of main portion 1240 is asecond side flap 1270, from which extend a second forward side aperturedflap 1272 and a second rearward side flap 1274. Second forward sideapertured flap 1272 defines an aperture 1276.

Preferably, extending between main portion 1240 and forward edge flap1250 is at least one fold line 1300. Preferably, extending between mainportion 1240 and forward edge end flaps 1251 and 1252 are respective atleast one fold lines 1302 and 1304. Preferably, extending between mainportion 1240 and rearward edge flap 1254 is at least one fold line 1306.Preferably, extending between rearward edge flap 1254 and end flaps 1256and 1258 are respective at least one fold lines 1308 and 1310.Preferably, extending across end flaps 1256 and 1258 are respective atleast one fold lines 1312 and 1314. Preferably, extending across forwardedge end flaps 1251 and 1252 are respective at least one fold lines 1316and 1318.

Preferably, extending between main portion 1240 and first side flap 1260is at least one fold line 1320. Preferably, extending between first sideflap 1260 and first forward side apertured flap 1262 is at least onefold line 1322. Preferably extending between first side flap 1260 andfirst rearward side flap 1264 is at least one fold line 1324. Preferablyextending across first forward side apertured flap 1262 at an edge ofaperture 1266 is at least one fold line 1326.

Preferably, extending between main portion 1240 and second side flap1270 is at least one fold line 1330. Preferably, extending betweensecond side flap 1270 and second forward side apertured flap 1272 is atleast one fold line 1332. Preferably, extending between second side flap1270 and second rearward side flap 1274 is at least one fold line 1334.Preferably, extending across second forward side apertured flap 1272 atan edge of aperture 1276 is at least one fold line 1336.

As seen in FIGS. 14A and 14B, main portion 1240 is adhered to contactsubassembly 1080 by means of double sided adhesive 1208. Protrusionarray element 1090 is mounted onto frame 1100 and aligned therewith byinsertion of the plurality of case open switch pins 1098 incorresponding apertures 1348 in frame 1100.

As seen in FIGS. 9B, 10B, 14A and 14D, frame 1100, which partiallysurrounds smart card connector 1110, also includes a plurality ofdownwardly directed bosses 1350, each associated with a correspondingaperture 1348. As seen in FIGS. 10A, 14A and 14D, frame 1100 alsoincludes a pair of side apertures 1352 which accommodate zebraconnectors 1190 and 1192, mounted on printed circuit board 1120 (FIG.9A).

Frame 1100 also includes four upwardly directed alignment pins 1360which serve to mutually align flexible PCB 1070, contact subassembly1080 and protrusion array element 1090 with frame 1100, by extendingthrough respective apertures 1242, 1380 and 1390 formed in flexible PCB1070, contact subassembly 1080 and protrusion array element 1090respectively, as seen in FIGS. 14A-14C.

As seen particularly in FIGS. 9B, 10B and 14D, an underside of frame1100 includes a generally flat main portion 1400 surrounded on threesides by a U-shaped support portion 1402, including a central portion1404 and a pair of arms 1406 and 1408, extending perpendicularlytherefrom. Arms 1406 and 1408 are each formed with a correspondingdownwardly directed boss 1350, each associated with a correspondingaperture 1348.

U-shaped support portion 1402 has a generally recessed flat bottomsurface 1420, surrounded by an upstanding peripheral wall 1422.Anti-tamper meshes 1170 and 1172, forming part of flexible PCB 1070(FIG. 9A), peripheral wall 1422, a plurality of internal walls 1424 andthe anti-tamper mesh 1426 on the printed circuit board 1120 (FIG. 15)define a number of protected enclosures 1430 in which various electroniccomponents mounted on or connected to the printed circuit board 1120(FIG. 15), such as magnetic stripe reader connector 1042 andcorresponding connector 1432 (FIG. 15), LCD connector 1044 andcorresponding connector 1434 (FIG. 15), main processor 1436 and memory1438, which may contain highly sensitive information, such as encryptionkeys, and tamper detection and alarm circuitry 1175 may be located.

It is appreciated that the anti-tamper mesh 1426 together withanti-tamper meshes 1170 and 1172 provide a protective enclosure whichencloses contact subassembly 1080, protrusion array element 1090, frame1100 and smart card connector 1110. Preferably the protective enclosureentirely encloses the tamper detection switch assembly 1500.

As seen in FIGS. 14D and 14E, preferably forward edge flap 1250, forwardedge end flaps 1251 and 1252 and rearward edge flap 1254, including endflaps 1256 and 1258 are folded up over corresponding side edge surfacesof frame 1100.

As seen in FIGS. 14F and 14G, first side flap 1260, first forward sideapertured flap 1262, first rearward side flap 1264, second forward sideapertured flap 1262, second side flap 1270, second forward sideapertured flap 1272, and second rearward side flap 1274 are folded upover corresponding side edge surfaces of frame 1100.

It is seen that apertures 1266 and 1276 are aligned over correspondinglylocated bosses 1350 and case open switch pins 1098.

Returning to FIG. 15 and particularly to the enlargement therein, thereis seen an example of a tamper detection switch assembly 1500, whichpreferably includes a carbon pill 1502, which is fixed to the bottom ofa case open switch pin 1098, and a pair of electrical contacts 1504,formed on printed circuit board 1120, preferably each including acentral conductor 1506 and at least one circumferential conductor 1508.Preferably an outer grounded ring 1510 is also provided. It isappreciated that any of conductors 1506, 1508 and 1510 may includeplural segmented portions (not shown).

When the housing is closed and top housing portion 1002 and bottomhousing portion 1004 are fully engaged, carbon pills 1502, fixed to thebottom surfaces of case open switch pins 1098, are positioned so as toshort circuit respective electric central conductors 1506 and respectiveat least one circumferential conductors 1508. Alternatively, carbonpills 1502 may be replaced by deformable conductive domes.

In accordance with a preferred embodiment of the present invention, theprotective anti-tamper mesh 1426 of printed circuit board 1120 is formedwith a dense array of conductors side by side and is connected to alarmcircuitry 1175, described hereinbelow.

It is a particular feature of an embodiment of the present inventionthat the tamper detection switch assembly 1500 and specifically the caseopen switch pins 1098 are entirely enclosed by anti-tamper meshes. Thisstructure is realized by constructing case open switch pins 1098 as partof the protrusion array element 1090, which is located below contactsubassembly 1080 of the security volume assembly 1040 of FIGS. 9A & 9B.In this case, the tamper detection switch assembly is not part of thekeypad element 1050.

Tamper detection and alarm circuitry 1175 may be conventional circuitrywhich provides an alarm, such as an audio or visually sensible alarm, inresponse to sensed detection of tampering, evidenced, for example by ashort circuit or an open circuit in one or more protective mesh, such asmesh 1426. Tamper detection and alarm circuitry 1175 may also beresponsive to tampering for erasing sensitive information and disablingcommunication of sensitive information.

Preferably, printed circuit board 1120 is also formed with a pluralityof apertures 1550 for precise parallel spacing between smart cardconnector assembly 1110 and printed circuit board 1120.

Reference is now made to FIGS. 16A & 16B, which are simplifiedillustrations of key engagement operation of the smart card data entrydevice of FIGS. 8A-14E wherein FIG. 16A shows a key-not depressedoperative orientation and FIG. 16B shows a key depressed operativeorientation. FIGS. 16A and 16B are taken along lines XVIA-XVIA in FIG.8A but do not include smart card connector 1110 and printed circuitboard 1120.

Turning initially to FIG. 16A, it is seen that in a key-not depressedoperative orientation, underside surface 1055 of key 1053 is vertically(in the sense of FIGS. 16A & 16B) spaced from flexible PCB 1070 and thusconductive disk 1152 is vertically spaced from dome 1160 and moreparticularly from dimples 1230. Accordingly, there is no electricalcontact between conductive disk 1152 and conductive ring 1154. Dome 1160is concave when viewed from above, as seen in FIG. 13A. Typically dome1160 and its underlying adhesive layer 1220 lies on a top surface ofprotrusion 1092.

In the key-depressed operative orientation shown in FIG. 16B, it is seenthat in a key-depressed operative orientation, underside surface 1055 ofkey 1053 is vertically (in the sense of FIGS. 16A & 16B) depresseddownwardly into downward pushing engagement with flexible PCB 1070,thereby pressing the flat peripheral rim 1232 of the dome 1160 downwardin electrical contact with conductive ring 1154, thus causing conductivedisk 1152 to form an electrical connection with dome 1160 and moreparticularly with dimples 1230. Accordingly, there is formed anelectrical connection between conductive disk 1152 and conductive ring1154. The dome 1160 is now seen to be convex at its center when viewedfrom above due to engagement of the top surface of protrusion 1092 withdome 1160. It is appreciated that the pushing engagement need not bedirect touching engagement with the dome, such as in the illustratedembodiment wherein engagement with the dome is via its underlyingadhesive layer 1220.

It will be appreciated by persons skilled in the art that the presentinvention is not limited by what has been particularly shown anddescribed hereinabove. Rather the scope of the present inventionincludes combinations and subcombinations of features described above aswell as modifications and improvements thereof that are not in the priorart.

The invention claimed is:
 1. A key entry device comprising: a housing; akeypad array disposed within said housing and including a plurality ofkeys; a key contact array disposed within said housing below said keypadarray and including a plurality of contact pairs, each aligned with oneof said plurality of keys; a dome array underlying said keypad array andsaid key contact array and including a plurality of domes, each alignedwith one of said plurality of keys and one of said plurality of contactpairs; and a protrusion array underlying said dome array and including aplurality of protrusions, each aligned with one of said domes, wherebydepression of one of said plurality of keys of said keypad array causesa corresponding one of said domes of said dome array to be displaceddownwardly and to be deformed by pushing engagement with a correspondingone of said protrusions of said protrusion array into contact with atleast one of said contact pairs of said key contact array.
 2. The keyentry device according to claim 1 and wherein: said depression of one ofsaid plurality of keys causes a corresponding portion of said dome arrayto be displaced towards a corresponding portion of said protrusionarray; and said depression of one of said plurality of keys causes anunderside surface of said one of said plurality of keys to be depresseddownwardly into downward pushing engagement with a corresponding contactpair of said key contact array, thereby pressing a flat peripheral rimof a corresponding one of said plurality of domes downward in electricalcontact with a conductive ring, being a first one of said contact pair,thus causing a conductive disk, being a second one of said contactpairs, to form an electrical connection with said one of said pluralityof domes, thereby forming an electrical connection between saidconductive disk and said conductive ring.
 3. The key entry deviceaccording to claim 2 and wherein said one of said plurality of domes isthereby deformed to be convex at its center when viewed from above dueto engagement of a top surface of said one of said protrusions with saidone of said domes.
 4. The key entry device according to claim 1 and alsocomprising a protective enclosure comprising at least one anti-tampermesh surrounding at least said key contact array and said dome array. 5.The key entry device according to claim 4 and wherein said protectiveenclosure comprising at least one anti-tamper mesh also surrounds saidprotrusion array.
 6. The key entry device according to claim 4 and alsocomprising a plurality of case open switch assemblies located entirelywithin said protective enclosure and protected thereby.
 7. The key entrydevice according to claim 6 and wherein said plurality of case openswitch assemblies includes elements integrally formed with saidprotrusion array.
 8. The key entry device according to claim 7 andwherein said elements are directed in a direction opposite to adirection in which said protrusions are directed.
 9. The key entrydevice according to claim 1 and wherein said key contact array is formedon a flexible printed circuit substrate and underlies at least oneanti-tamper mesh.
 10. The key entry device according to claim 9 andwherein said at least one anti-tamper mesh is also formed on saidflexible printed circuit substrate.
 11. The key entry device accordingto claim 9 and wherein said at least one anti-tamper mesh comprises aplurality of anti-tamper meshes.
 12. The key entry device according toclaim 1 and wherein at least one of said plurality of domes has agenerally concave orientation as viewed from above prior to keydepression and has an at least partially convex orientation as viewedfrom above upon key depression.
 13. The key entry device according toclaim 4, further comprising tamper detection and alarm circuitry incommunication with the at least one anti-tamper mesh.
 14. The key entrydevice according to claim 13, wherein the tamper detection and alarmcircuitry provides an audio or visually sensible alarm in response to ashort circuit or an open circuit in one of the at least one anti-tampermesh.
 15. The key entry device according to claim 13, further comprisinga memory, wherein the tamper detection and alarm circuitry erasessensitive information in the memory in response to a short circuit or anopen circuit in one of the at least one anti-tamper mesh.
 16. The keyentry device according to claim 13, further comprising a memory, whereinthe tamper detection and alarm circuitry disables communication ofsensitive information in the memory in response to a short circuit or anopen circuit in one of the at least one anti-tamper mesh.
 17. The keyentry device according to claim 1, further comprising an aperture lightguide element displaced below the keypad array and above the dome array.18. The key entry device according to claim 1, further comprising aframe, wherein the dome array and the protrusion array are mounted onthe frame.
 19. The key entry device according to claim 18, furthercomprising a printed circuit board, wherein the frame is mounted to theprinted circuit board on a side that is opposite to the dome array andthe protrusion array.
 20. The key entry device according to claim 6,wherein the case open switch assemblies comprise case open switch pins.